(Source: ZooToo.com)

Ten-year-old Australian cattle dog Middy is never far from the side of Walter Graham, his owner. Whether playing fetch or taking a walk by the lake, the two are constant companions. But Middy is no ordinary pet.

“He knew before I knew what was going on with me,” Graham said.

Graham adopted Middy from a rescue group, when he was just six months old. Then, about four years later, Middy’s behavior suddenly changed.

“I’d come home from work and Middy would just constantly bark at me,” Graham said. “I had no idea what was going on other than I knew I was sick and something was wrong.”

Soon after, Graham was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Once he got his levels under control, Graham says Middy stopped barking at him. So he wanted to test his theory.

“I then started creating diabetic events, if you will, and at that point would realize that Middy was reacting to my blood sugar,” Graham said.

Graham’s doctor put Middy through some tests and confirmed his remarkable abilities. By using his nose, Middy was apparently smelling sugar level changes on Graham’s breath. Graham then got the idea that perhaps his pet could become a service dog, which would give Graham a lot more freedom without having to constantly worry about his blood sugar levels.

That’s when New Horizons Service Dogs stepped in. Based in Orange City, Florida, New Horizons has been training service dogs for more than fifteen years.

“Middy had good skills but he needed to learn some basic obedience,” New Horizons Executive Director Janet Severt said. “He needed to learn how to behave in public and to be socialized around unusual things whether it be a subway or a plane or grocery store or going into a restaurant.” She said.

Severt says she has never trained a dog quite like Middy.

“Most of our dogs are started from a very young age,” Severt said. “Very rarely do we have an older dog that becomes such a wonderful service dog like Middy.”

Even more unusual is that most service dogs are Labrador or golden retrievers.

“Middy’s a one of a kind for a cattle dog, which is not a normal dog for service work because it’s a herding breed,” Severt said. “He uses his herding instinct to bump him. He uses that to tell Walter he needs to take care of himself,” Severt said.

Middy’s training took about six months, and he’s been an active service dog for the last six years.

Severt says she’s still amazed by him. “It’s a miracle that Middy was able to help Walter in the way he did,” Severt said.

As for Graham, he says he adopted Middy because he wanted to rescue a cattle dog. Reflecting on their special bond, Graham says, “Now, he’s rescued me.”

If you would like more information about New Horizons Service Dogs visit their website at www.newhorizonsservicedogs.org

By Lindsay Goldwert

Bringing a new Rex or Whiskers home is like welcoming a new member of the family. Whether it’s a cat or dog (or something with feathers or scales), there will be a lot adjusting for the little guy… and for you as well. So before you drop lots of money at the pet store to “please” your pet upon setting eyes on your new and strange home, check out these tips on creating pet-happy homes.

Pet Proof Your Home
Look around your home. Do you see lots of electrical cords lying around? Little knickknacks that little paws can accidentally choke on? What about rubber bands, paper clips, or other small desk debris that ends up on the floor the day before you clean? You will need to pet proof your home, especially if you are welcoming a puppy or kitten into the fold, says Sarah Hatfield, a behavior specialist at the Shelby Humane Society in Alabama.

Before bringing your pet home, get down on your hands and knees and examine your surroundings from your potential pet’s point of view. If you can blindly bring down a bunch of books or get into a shelf filled with harsh cleaning chemicals or little plants with possibly toxic leaves, get them cleared away where prying paws can’t reach. A garbage can with a locking lid may be a good investment, says Hatfield, especially when curious kittens and pups looking for the source of food smells may create a mess all over the kitchen floor.

In the Dog House
You may have a fantasy about treating your pup like a prince. But think about what would make him the most comfortable first. Before you order a canopy bed for your newcomer, try starting with a good, old-fashioned crate.

In addition to assisting with housetraining, the crate also gives you a safe place to leave the dog while you are unable to supervise him for whatever reason, says Hatfield.

Even if you are told that the dog you are adopting is already housetrained, plan to treat him as if he’s not for at least the first two weeks. Moving to a new home is stressful for a dog, so sometimes he might forget his past training.

Before trying out new brands of dog food, find out what he’s already been eating and get some more of the same, at least at first. If you want to change to a different food, do so gradually, says Hatfield. A gradual food switch will let your pet adjust and avoid digestive upset.

Scaredy Cats and Dogs?
All cat lovers know that kitties can have a mind of their own. You make a cozy cat bed for them and they’ll sleep on your bath mat. Give them your bath mat and they’ll suddenly fall in love with the cushion on your favorite chair.

So when bringing home a cat or kitten, Hatfield recommends that owners kitten- or cat-proof a small room to start with and then gradually give feline friends more space. Let her pick the place that makes her the most comfortable. If your new kitty wants to hide for a while, give her some space and time to let her adjust to her new surroundings by exploring and feeling them out in her own time.

Be sure to give her fresh food and water each day, but otherwise leave her alone, advises Hatfield. Cats often don’t feel secure in a new environment until they have learned where all the good hiding places are. However, if your new cat is still hiding after several days, a trip to the vet may be necessary to make sure she is not ill.

Though kittens and puppies tend to be more curious and get into more trouble than adult cats and dogs, it’s important to pet-proof your home no matter what the age of your new companion.

Another good tip: don’t invite the whole neighborhood over to meet your new dog on the first day you bring him home. Let your pup get used to his new home and new family. Too many new faces and petting hands can be overwhelming.

Scent can often be very reassuring to animals, so if possible, take something along that smells like your pet’s former home, such as a towel, blanket, or favorite toy.

Letting Your Kids in on the Fun
Chances are, your child has been on pins and needles waiting for the day that the new dog or kitten comes home.

While a pet can be a great way to teach children about responsibility, be realistic about what they can help with. Young children may be able to help feed a dog or cat and older children can help to exercise their new pet, but an adult needs to have primary responsibility for both the day-to-day care of a pet and making sure all appropriate veterinary care is given on time, says Hatfield.

It is also important that children be taught how to interact with dogs and cats, even if they have been around them before. While many pets can learn to tolerate some poking, prodding, and hugs from a child, it’s best to let both sides get used to each other first.

Rather than let him find out for himself with bites and scratches, Hatfield recommends purchasing an age appropriate book about dogs or cats that gives easy to understand information about how to care for them.

By creating a safe, nurturing environment for your pet, you and your family will give its new four-legged member the best welcome of all.

Tell us what you think about “Welcome Home! Bringing a new puppy or kitten home.” below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at hfinnegan@zootoo.com.

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By Gabrielle Jonas

Cutting down a pet’s health expenses without compromising the pet’s health is possible, veterinarians say. Pet owners can forgo some procedures and even discard inoculations from their pet’s protocol without risking their animal’s lives. But the process of choosing which ones to keep, and which ones to drop, depends a lot on the pet’s habits. Here are some factors to consider in seeking more affordable care options.

Pet Care by the Numbers
American pet owners spent an estimated $12.2 billion on veterinary bills in 2009, according to the American Pet Products Association. Nevertheless, some veterinarians have seen a severe downturn in income from non-medical procedures and services, such as boarding. To cut expenses, many are cutting their employees’ hours. But, unfortunately, they’re not cutting their fees.

“Veterinarians are definitely seeing the impact of the recession on their business,” remarks Karen E. Felsted, Chief Executive Officer of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues.

“The average practice is not seeing the growth it has in the past, and some practices have seen dramatic declines in their revenue,” Felsted said. “Pet owners are simply bringing their pets to the veterinarian less frequently.”

Although some practices have lowered fees, Felsted pointed out, this trend is the exception and not the rule. As a result, many pet owners are put in the position of having to be selective about what care to cut, and what to keep.

Tips for Lowering Costs
Cost cutting can begin with evaluating your pet’s annual inoculations. Not all inoculations need to be administered yearly, as many vaccines stay in the bloodstream longer than was previously thought.

“People who have been getting vaccines for their pets every year, probably could slide on some of them,” says Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian at the Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, CA.

If there is any doubt how much of last year’s inoculation is still potent in the pet’s bloodstream, the vet can conduct what’s called a titer. Talk to your vet about whether the fee for a specific titer is less than the potential savings from skipping the inoculation.

In evaluating which vaccines to drop and which to keep, a pet’s location and lifestyle are also important factors to consider.

“An out-and-about pet needs more vaccines more than a couch-potato kitty or dog who takes it easy,” Dr. Cruz said. An indoor cat may simply not require a leukemia vaccine booster. A pooch romping through a deer-tick ridden field in Connecticut needs a vaccine for Lyme Disease; but a city dog strolling a Southern California sidewalk may not.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners issues protocols of what vaccines are needed at each life stage. Though the AAFP “highly recommends” the FeLV vaccination for all kittens, booster inoculation is recommended only in cats considered to be at risk of exposure.

There are just some procedures pet owners can’t stint on, however.

“Hard times are not an excuse to skip your pet’s annual shots,” said Dr. Stephen Zawistowski, ASPCA’s Executive Vice President, National Programs and Science Advisor, “but it does make sense to talk to your vet about personalizing your pet’s vaccine protocol. Some vaccines are optional, while others are essential in preventing serious diseases.”

But skipping on the pet’s annual exam altogether is not an option. “It’s much more expensive–and risky–to treat illnesses than to protect against them,” Zawistowski said.

Evaluating Other Types of Pet Care
Owners can also cut economic corners in other modes of preventative care, such as for periodontal disease. Dental care–vital for keeping bacteria in the gums from leaching into the bloodstream and ultimately into an animal’s kidneys, liver, or joints–does not have to be conducted under anesthesia in every case, not even for cats.

Although not all veterinarians conduct dental work on conscious animals, the difference in price could well be worth seeking out a veterinarian with that expertise. Gas anesthesia can cost from $94 to $112 for a 60-pound dog, plus $27 for anesthesia monitoring, according to a 2009 study by EC Veterinary Economics & Wutchiett Tumblin and Associates. Though tooth cleaning can be less effective when not done under anesthesia, this option is preferable to not cleaning the teeth at all.

As with all types of care, because every individual pet is different, be sure to talk your veterinarian about the best protocol that will work for your pet.

Tell us what you think about “Lowering the Cost of Pet Care: Ways to Make That Vet Visit Affordable” below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at hfinnegan@zootoo.com.

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Congratulations to Tiger, Pepper, and Abigail and there new forever families. We wish you a long and loving life together!

Congratulations to Oreo, a border collie mix who found her forever home today! Good luck, Sweet Girl, and have a wonderful life with you brand new forever family!

Officials have confirmed what is believed to be the first case of swine flu to infect a feline in the 2009 strain of the H1N1 virus. Special contributor and veterinarian Patty Kuhly, of PetMD.com, gives Zootoo the details.

MIAMI — I received an important e-mail alert yesterday from the American Veterinary Medical Association with an alarming subject title — similar to this story’s “scary” headline.

Here’s the content of the message:

Nov. 4, 2009 — A 13-year-old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29, and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with H1N1. The cat has recovered from its illness.

For more information, visit the AVMA’s H1N1 resources Web page: avma.org/public_health/influenza/new_virus.

Be Concerned, Not Panicked
The upshot is that we need to be concerned for our pets, but there’s no need to panic. Knowing that cats and ferrets are susceptible to the swine flu virus adds a heretofore unknown twist to the rapidly developing H1N1 story, but all it means is that you need to take precautions should you develop flu-like symptoms — even with your pets.

It’s no surprise that the recommendations for reduced human to animal transmission are similar to those for preventing human to human transmission: Cough into your elbow, wash your hands before handling your pets and give them a wide berth until 24 hours post-fever.

My modest recommendation as an animal-physician? Follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s lead and get yourself and your family vaccinated. I have myvax appointment on Monday. When’s yours?

Again, take into account that so far it appears as though only humans can transmit H1N1 to cats and ferrets. They haven’t yet given it to us, nor have we given the virus to dogs. Only time will tell whether this will remain the case. Here’s hoping that’s as far as H1N1 goes.

Patty Kuhly, DVM, blogs for PetMD’s Daily Vet. To read more of her work, visit PetMd.com.